Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's Haiwaan: Zambian Viewers Weigh In on the Bollywood Thriller

Bollywood's latest thriller Haiwaan has hit the big screen, reuniting Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 long years. The film is already making waves on social media, with early reactions pouring in from across the globe. While many are praising the star duo's performances, some are saying the movie drags on a bit too long. Here is what the buzz is all about, and why Zambian movie lovers should take note.

What are early viewers saying about Haiwaan?

Early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been a mixed bag. One user gave the Priyadarshan directorial a 3.5-star rating, calling Akshay Kumar genuinely menacing in a dark and unpredictable role. The same viewer also highlighted Saif Ali Khan's restrained performance as a blind protagonist.

Haiwaan is proof that a strong villain can still make a thriller work. Akshay Kumar is genuinely menacing in a dark, unpredictable role, while Saif Ali Khan delivers a restrained and layered performance as a blind protagonist.

Another viewer was less impressed, giving the film just two stars and calling it a wasted potential. They argued that both Akshay and Saif were royally wasted in a slow screenplay. The user also questioned the need for a remake, though they did praise the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the leads.

Is Haiwaan too long for its own good?

One of the biggest criticisms so far is the film's runtime. At 2 hours and 42 minutes, several viewers feel the second half could have been much tighter. One post described the movie as an engaging old-school thriller with two strong performances, but admitted the pacing was a problem.

Still, not everyone is complaining. Another X user gave the film a solid four stars, calling it a gripping psychological thriller. They praised the visuals, background score, and the tension Priyadarshan keeps alive, especially in the second half, which ends with a surprise twist.

Why is the Akshay-Saif reunion such a big deal?

This is the first time Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are sharing the screen in nearly two decades. Their previous collaborations include hits like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Keemat and Tu Chor Main Sipahi. For fans, this reunion is pure nostalgia, but as one viewer pointed out, Haiwaan actually uses their contrasting screen presence to good effect.

One is unpredictable, the other is controlled and that makes their dynamic work.

Akshay plays the antagonist while Saif takes on the role of a blind protagonist, setting up a classic cat-and-mouse chase. The film also stars Boman Irani, Sharib Hashmi, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar in key roles, and is backed by KVN Productions and Thespian Films.

Should Zambians watch Haiwaan in cinemas?

If you are a fan of psychological thrillers with strong performances, Haiwaan might be worth your time. However, if you have already seen the original Malayalam film Oppam, some viewers suggest you might want to skip this one. One user even joked that instead of Haiwaan, Priyadarshan should remake the comedy Two Countries with Akshay Kumar.

At the end of the day, the early reactions suggest that the Akshay-Saif face-off is the film's biggest selling point. While the pacing may not be perfect, the performances and the tension between the two leads are getting solid praise. For Zambian moviegoers who enjoy a good thriller, Haiwaan offers a mix of star power and suspense, even if it does test your patience in the second half.